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Malay Model To Be Caned For Drinking Beer

Published on: Thursday, 20th August 2009 11:46 AM
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A Muslim part-time model is to become the first woman to be lashed with a cane under Islamic law in Malaysia after she admitted drinking beer.

Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno was caught consuming alcohol when police raided a hotel nightclub in Pahang state last year.The 32-year-old has now pleaded guilty and been sentenced to six lashes with a rattan cane.The Islamic court said the punishment must take place within seven days from next Monday.Kartika will be held in a women's prison until then and afterwards released "as soon possible", prosecutor Saiful Idham Sahimi said.Caning is administered on the buttocks and usually breaks the skin leaving permanent scars.But a lighter cane than the one used on men will be used on Kartika with the purpose to "educate" rather than punish, Mr Saiful said."This is the first case in Malaysia," he said. "It is a good punishment because under Islamic law a person who drinks commits a serious offense."Kartika has said she wants to be caned quickly so she can get on with her life with her husband and children.Some politicians and women's rights activists have said the penalty is too harsh.Muslims, who make up about two-thirds of Malaysia's 28 million people, are governed by Islamic courts in all civilian and Islamic matters.Most alcohol offenders are fined, but the law also provides for a three-year prison term and caning.Non-Muslims are governed by civil courts, which also impose caning for offenses such as rape and corruption. Women, children and men above 50 are exempt under civil law.

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